Hunkapi Farms in Scottsdale Seeks Support for Therapy Horses 

As the relentless Arizona sun beats down on Scottsdale, the dedicated therapy horses at Hunkapi Farms continue their vital work, offering solace and healing to those in need. While many of these equine therapists retreat to cooler climates during the peak of summer, several remain to serve the community, necessitating additional care and resources.

 

Nestled on a 10-acre property off 96th Street and Cactus in Scottsdale, Hunkapi Farms embodies the Lakota phrase meaning "we are all related." The farm provides equine-assisted therapy to individuals facing challenges such as autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit disorder, oppositional defiant disorder, addiction, and post-traumatic stress disorder. The profound bond between horse and human catalyzes positive transformation in participants' lives.

 

The success of Hunkapi's programs heavily relies on the generosity of volunteers and donors. During the sweltering summer months, the horses require enhanced care, including electrolytes and vigilant attention, which in turn demands increased manpower and financial support.

 

Volunteer Jen Olsen shares her experience: "It truly feels like I'm giving back to the community. We ensure all the horses are well cared for, from feeding them to maintaining the farm. And we always make time to show them love."

 

The farm's residents, many of whom are rescued or donated, have histories as competitive racehorses or working animals. Alongside licensed therapists, these horses help riders develop healthy relationships and regulate their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

 

Founder Terra Schaad emphasizes the Scottsdale farm's commitment: "Once we adopt them, they're ours for life. We want them to retire and enjoy a peaceful existence on the farm."

 

To sustain the herd through the intense summer heat, Hunkapi urgently seeks donations to procure 160 bales of hay, each costing $25, along with essentials like fly spray, colic-preventing supplements, and electrolytes to ensure proper hydration.

 

Each year, the farm relocates its horses, many of them elderly and retired therapy animals, to Flagstaff. "The heat is particularly hard on the older members of the herd, who have spent years helping individuals through trauma, disability, and crisis," a spokeswoman noted.

 

The nonprofit also needs fly spray to protect against increased insect activity in warmer weather, supplements to assist with colic that can be deadly for the horses, and electrolytes to ensure proper hydration.

 

These items can be found on the Amazon Wish List.

 

"These animals give so much of themselves year-round," said Terra Schaad, founder of Hunkapi. "They serve our first responders and their children, ALS support groups, children in crisis centers and group homes, and so many more. Now they need us."

 

Community members can contribute by donating directly through the farm's website. Scottsdale businesses or individuals capable of providing or transporting hay, fly spray, shade structures, or other horse care items are encouraged to reach out directly.

 

"This is about giving back to the horses that quietly heal so many," Schaad emphasized. "Every single bale helps."